Nae cursed CLERICAL EXCISE
On honest Nature’s laws and ties;
Free as the vernal breeze that flies
At early day,
We’d tasted Nature’s richest joys,
But stint or stay.--------

But as this subject ‘s something kittle,
Our wisest way ‘s to say but little;
And while my Muse is at her mettle,
I am, most fervent,
Or may I die upon a whittle!
Your Friend and Servant--------
Robt. Burns.